Christmas Number 1 2022 Odds: Here are the 10 acts that are favourite to top the festive charts - including Tyson Fury and Lewis Capaldi
From Mr Blobby and Cliff Richard, to X Factor winners and Queen’s Bohemium Rhapsody (twice), some memorable songs have been crowned the official Christmas Number 1.
While claiming the top spot in the festive charts isn’t as competitive as it once was, it’s still a highly sought after accolade in the music industry.
This year the race to claim the number 1 starts at 12.01am on Friday, December 16, and runs until 11.50pm on Thursday, December 22.
The winner will be revealed live on BBC Radio 1's Official Chart Show from 4pm on Friday December 23, with the full top 100 published online on OfficialCharts.com at 5.45pm on the same day.
Here are the top contenders, according to the bookies.
The winner will be revealed live on BBC Radio 1's Official Chart Show from 4pm on Friday December 23, with the full top 100 published online on OfficialCharts.com at 5.45pm on the same day.
5. Jason Manford
Comedian Jason Manford is also a talented singer and has released a number of albums, as well as starring in West End musicals. This year he's released a Christmas single called 'Assembly Bangers' to raise cash for the Trussell Trust. Used as the finale for his current 'Like Me' tour, it's a dance medley of religious songs traditionally sung in school assemblies. He's 8/1 to top the charts. Photo: Jeff Spicer
Not content with winning his latest fight with Derek Chisora and a possible unification bout set for next year, boxer Tyson Fury is also mounting an assault on the Christmas charts with his version of Neil Diamond classic 'Sweet Caroline'. The song is also popular with English football fans, so any progress made by their team in the World Cup certainly won't hurt its chances. He's currently 10/1 to succeed. Photo: Ethan Miller
Being second best to Tyson Fury for singing your own song must be slightly galling, but Neil Diamond is 12/1 for the Christmas number 1 with his original version of 'Sweet Caroline' - the song that's currently being sung by England fans in stadiums in Qatar. Photo: Theo Wargo
Elton John teamed up with Ed Sheeran last year for festive single 'Merry Christmas' last year. It went to number 1, but was knocked of its perch by LadBaby's 'Sausage Rolls For Everyone' for the Christmas charts - a song that also featured both Sir Elton and Sheeran. The star duo have previously said they had recorded at least one more festive song and are 14/1 to reach the Christmas summit this year. Photo: Jamie McCarthy